JAKARTA, autonomicmaterials.com – I’m telling you, Doubles: Trinidadian Chickpea Curry in Fried Flatbread, Spicy Street Food, totally changed how I look at breakfast. No joke, you haven’t truly hit the street food jackpot till you’ve had one of these spicy, messy little bundles of joy. Let me walk you through my first, slightly embarrassing encounter, and what I’ve picked up since then.
Doubles is a popular street food from Trinidad and Tobago that showcases the vibrant flavors of Caribbean cuisine. This delicious dish consists of spicy chickpea curry (channa) served between two pieces of fried flatbread known as bara. Known for its bold flavors and satisfying texture, doubles is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the essence of Trinidadian food culture. In this article, we’ll explore the origins of doubles, how to prepare it, and why it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
What Are Doubles?
Doubles are essentially a sandwich made with two soft, fluffy pieces of bara filled with a spicy chickpea curry. The chickpeas are seasoned with a variety of spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric, giving the dish its distinctive flavor. Doubles are often served with various condiments, such as mango chutney, pepper sauce, or cucumber salad, adding an extra layer of taste and texture.
A Brief History of Doubles
The origins of doubles can be traced back to the Indian indentured laborers who arrived in Trinidad in the 19th century. They brought with them their culinary traditions, including the use of chickpeas and spices. Over time, the dish evolved into what we now know as doubles, becoming a beloved staple of Trinidadian street food. Today, doubles can be found at roadside stalls, food trucks, and markets across the islands, enjoyed by people from all walks of life.
Ingredients for Making Doubles
To prepare delicious doubles, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Bara (Flatbread):
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Water (as needed)
- Oil (for frying)
For the Channa (Chickpea Curry):
- 2 cups cooked chickpeas (canned or boiled)
- 1 medium onion (finely chopped)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon ginger (grated)
- 1-2 green chilies (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
- 1 teaspoon coriander powder
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
- Salt to taste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
Optional Condiments:
- Mango chutney
- Pepper sauce
- Cucumber salad
How to Prepare Doubles
A: Making the Bara
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, turmeric, salt, and sugar until evenly combined.
- Form the Dough: Gradually add water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough for about 5 minutes until it is smooth. Cover the dough with a damp cloth and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.
- Shape the Bara: After resting, divide the dough into small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll each ball into a flat disc, approximately 1/4 inch thick.
B: Making the Channa
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the cumin seeds, chopped onion, garlic, ginger, and green chilies. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
- Add the Spices: Stir in the coriander powder, turmeric powder, and salt. Cook for another minute to allow the spices to release their flavors.
- Add the Chickpeas: Add the cooked chickpeas to the skillet, mixing well to coat them with the spice mixture. If the mixture is too thick, add a splash of water to create a saucy consistency. Simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
C: Frying the Bara
- Heat the Oil: In a deep frying pan, heat oil over medium-high heat for frying the bara.
- Fry the Bara: Carefully add the rolled-out dough discs to the hot oil, frying them until they puff up and turn golden brown on both sides. Remove them from the oil and drain on paper towels.
D: Assembling the Doubles
- Fill the Bara: Take one piece of fried bara and spoon a generous amount of the chickpea curry onto it. Top it with another piece of bara to create a sandwich.
- Add Condiments: Serve your doubles with optional condiments like mango chutney, pepper sauce, or cucumber salad for added flavor.
Enjoying Doubles
Doubles are best enjoyed fresh and hot. They make for a perfect snack, breakfast, or even a light meal. The combination of the soft, warm bara and the spicy, flavorful chickpea curry creates a delightful experience that is both comforting and satisfying.
Where to Find Doubles
While making doubles at home is a rewarding experience, you can also find delicious doubles at various street food stalls and markets throughout Trinidad and Tobago. Local vendors often have their own unique twists on the dish, offering different types of fillings and condiments.
Conclusion
Doubles is a quintessential Trinidadian dish that embodies the vibrant flavors and cultural heritage of the Caribbean. With its spicy chickpea curry nestled between two pieces of fluffy fried flatbread, this street food favorite is a must-try for anyone seeking to explore the culinary delights of Trinidad and Tobago. Whether you make it at home or enjoy it from a local vendor, doubles promises a delicious and satisfying experience that will leave you craving more!
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